Natural Menopause Treatment
Here is a list of how some natural menopause treatment herbs may be applied to help relieve a lot of different menopause symptoms. The suggestions and natural menopause remedies here are usually offered by herbalists as tinctures, which are alcohol extracts taken in a small amount of water. These are easy to administer, quickly absorbed and have the advantage of having a long shelf life, being quite stable at room temperature.
Some herbalists, however, prefer to work with infusions - hot or cold, depending on the herb in use - and decoctions, and if you are alcohol-sensitive, either these, or other extracts not made with alcohol, would be preferable. Alternatively, some, though not all, of these natural menopause treatment herbs may be available as menopause supplements in capsule or tablet form. Whatever herbs for menopause you decide to use, always follow the dosage instructions on the product label - they are there for a reason.
When using a natural menopause treatment like this keep in mind that the ‘results’ might not be as immediate as with pharmaceuticals, but in some cases they are safer, more effective and longer-lasting.
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
AS well as being one of some very effective natural remedies for menopause, this black cohosh menopause herb is known as an all-round helper for women’s problems. During menstruation it helps to ease menstrual pain and cramping. It is anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic and contains phytoestrogens, thus making it a true ‘herbal hormone ttreatment’. It is therefore a good all-round choice. In addition, it helps to relieve arthritic pain and can assist in spasmodic conditions of the bowel, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).The root is used.
Contraindications: Because of its estrogen effect, black cohosh for menopause should not be used with tamoxifen.
Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus-castus)
A very well-known women’s herb, chaste tree berry is a hormone balancer working on pituitary gland secretions. It has the ability to promote higher secretions of natural progesterone. It, too, can be used at any time in a woman’s life cycle, and it is often chosen to relieve menstrual symptoms. It has a particular role to play in relieving adolescent acne (in both girls and boys), but for menopause symptoms it is a gentle hormone balancer that brings the female system into equilibrium whatever the symptom picture.
Contraindications: Possible harmful interaction with bromocriptine.
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
They say one billion Chinese women can’t be wrong! This herb from the Chinese herbal repertoire has been described as the most popular herb on the planet. Like chaste tree berry it is thought to work on the pituitary gland as a hormone balancer but it is also known in Chinese medicine for its ability to ‘move and nourish the blood’. It is a member of the umbelliferaceae - a large group of plants that also includes fennel and Sweet Cicely.
Contraindications: Dong quai should not be used as a natural menopause treatment alongside anticoagulants.
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
This is a natural menopause treatment herb with a wide range of applications for women. It is known as an emmenagogue (promotes or brings on menstrual flow). It also protects the heart (note its Latin name, cordioco), which it does partly by virtue of its cholesterol-lowering powers and its calming and relaxing properties. It is indicated wherever tension and anxiety are associated with menopause. The ariel parts of the plant are used. It combines particularly well with hawthorn for assisting with high blood pressure and protecting the heart.
Contraindications: Possible harmful interaction with antipsychotic drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
